Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, has announced the birth of her daughter, Vivian, affectionately called “Vivi.” This heartwarming news comes just days following an alarming active shooter scare at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
On May 1, Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, welcomed their little girl into the world. “She is perfect and healthy, and her big brother is joyfully adjusting to life with his new baby sister,” Leavitt shared. “We are enjoying every moment in our blissful newborn bubble.”
Vivian joins the couple’s 21-month-old son, Nicholas Robert Riccio, affectionately known as “Niko.” Leavitt’s maternity leave coincided with a turbulent time at the White House.
Initially, her last day before leave was slated for April 24. However, after attending the chaotic Correspondents’ Dinner, she found herself back in crisis management mode during an active shooter incident.
On May 1st, Viviana aka “Vivi” joined our family, and our hearts instantly exploded with love. 💕
She is perfect and healthy, and her big brother is joyfully adjusting to life with his new baby sister. We are enjoying every moment in our blissful newborn bubble.
Thank you to… pic.twitter.com/wM1P1zEGsa
— Karoline Leavitt (@karolineleavitt) May 7, 2026
Following the event, Leavitt returned to the briefing room on April 27, condemning the violence and taking jabs at late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. After that brief return, she resumed her maternity leave just ahead of the due date.
Reports indicated that Leavitt is expected back in her role after her leave, with no formal replacement planned. During her absence, prominent figures, including Vice President JD Vance and potentially President Donald Trump, might cover her press briefings.
Leavitt had revealed her pregnancy in December, sharing joyfully in a post that it was “the greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for – a baby girl coming in May 2026.” Her gratitude for motherhood was evident as she expressed her excitement at expanding their family.
Throughout her pregnancy, she made history as the first pregnant White House press secretary. She and Riccio, a real estate developer, got engaged during the 2023 Christmas season and welcomed their son in July 2024. Leavitt quickly returned to her duties during Trump’s 2024 campaign after a notable event in Pennsylvania.
Leavitt has yet to disclose how long her maternity leave will last before returning to the White House.
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